Hyperthermia-induced Neural Alterations Impair Proprioception and Balance
Khouloud Mtibaa1, Athol Thomson, David Nichols
11Sport Science Program, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, QATAR; 2Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, FRANCE; and 3Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, QATAR.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|September 2, 2017
Summary
Passive hyperthermia impairs proprioception and balance by affecting neural signals. This study shows heat negatively impacts movement control and injury prevention capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Hyperthermia affects the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- The impact of hyperthermia on proprioception and human movement control is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of passive hyperthermia on proprioception and balance.
- To assess the role of these factors in injury prevention and movement efficiency.
Main Methods:
- 14 volunteers participated in temperate and hot conditions.
- Measurements included neural function (M-wave, Hoffman reflex), active movement discrimination, dynamic balance (Star Excursion Balance Test), and static balance (single-leg stance).
Main Results:
- Hyperthermia significantly increased rectal and skin temperatures.
- Reduced Hoffman reflex, increased active movement discrimination error, and impaired dynamic and static balance were observed.
- No significant changes in M-wave amplitude were found.
Conclusions:
- Passive hyperthermia impairs proprioception and balance.
- These impairments may result from heat-induced alterations in neural signaling to and from muscles.
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